Blogs for your consideration...
Over 20 years' worth of observations, recommendations, and considerations on life, family, and the military lie within these narratives. Cheers!
No one likes to be threatened—physically, emotionally, or professionally. It’s bad leadership and bad business. Ultimatums are often disguised as choices, but in reality they present a single outcome at the expense of something significant. Do this or else.
If you report this safety violation, I’ll...
People want to know what’s going on. Unfortunately, in the military, knowing the “why” is not always possible. Whether due to urgency, national security, or lack of perspective, military members at varying levels will not know everything. A young private probably won’t know why they need to conduct ...
I often find myself torn between amusement and disappointment when a “leader” appears just in time for the spotlight.
A high-ranking officer materializes during a major inspection. A camera is poised to capture a soldier in action. A microphone is conveniently available. And suddenly, someone who w...
Time and again, grumbles can be heard and felt whenever required group development is scheduled that is outside of normal operations. Whether the requirement is meant to build unit cohesion, improve physical fitness, or just inspire a competitive spirit, the initial reaction of most military members...
The military is a high-paced, ever-changing entity that values precision and agility. When mistakes do occur, corrective action needs to take place, and improvements made. At basic training, I recall drill sergeants scolding soldiers for not properly shining their boots to a lustrous black and for n...
If you’ve spent any time in uniform, you already know this truth: chaos isn’t the exception — it’s the operating environment. Plans change, missions evolve, and every “final” order is one email away from being updated again. The funny thing is, that same rhythm exists far beyond the gates of any bas...
It is both fascinating and disappointing to hear leaders tout the importance of work-life balance and, yet, they call or text you for the most unimportant things during non-business hours. As an active-duty member, where you are literally on call 24/7, it is hard to ask your boss to stop calling dur...
Leaders must know their people. They need to understand what makes them tick and what makes them irritable. Leaders need to understand the normal disposition of those they trust in order to communicate effectively and get results. Additionally, leaders need to listen to their intuition when somethin...
No matter how much training is given or case studies are discussed, military members from all backgrounds frequently forget that they willingly relinquished their freedom of speech and expression when they took their oath to the Constitution. From the youngest private to the most seasoned colonel, p...
If you’re reading this and you’re a non-commissioned officer (NCO), thank you. If you’re reading this and you’re a junior enlisted member or an officer, thank an NCO.
Time and again, I have worked with, learned from, and observed the true magic a good NCO can conjure. The names of generals line the...
Over the years, I’ve been asked a lot of questions pertaining to my military career. From “Have you ever killed anyone?” to “Where have you been stationed?” and everything in between. I even had a friend ask me vehemently why I would join the Army over the Air Force when I graduated high school (it’...
